Terminal connector



Feb. 22, 1955 G. PAvLlNE'rz 2,702,895

TERMINAL CONNECTOR Filed Jan. 4, 1951 2 sheets-sheet 1 30 35 Elk-:1 i

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ATTORNEY Feb. 22, 1955 G. PAvLlNE-rz 2,702,895

TERMINAL CONNECTOR Filed Jan. 4, 19511 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ull! l IIN /93 74) f INVENTOR. 95 "s- 96 74' M55, George Pdvlnej Fig. 20 Fig. 21 @MQ/- ATTORNEY United States Patent O TERMINAL CONNECTOR George Pavlinetz, Carteret, N. J.

Application January 4, 1951, Serial No. 204,339

Claims. (Cl. 339-253) My invention relates to cable and electrical conductor terminal connectors, more particularly to clamp type solderless terminalconnectors.

The principal object of my invention is to provide an improved cable or conductor terminal connector of the solderless type, and more particularly of the clamp type.

Another object of my invention is to provide such a terminal connector which can be readily attached to the ends of a cable or conductor by an unskilled worker and without the use of attaching tools or machinery.

A further object of my invention is to provide a terminal connector of the self-locking type whereby the conductor or cable can be inserted into the terminal and anchored temporarily or in permanently locked position.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a locking means for a terminal connector and in the form of an insulating sleeve, which also protects the terminal connector and is easy to adjust to locking position.

Another object of my invention is to provide such a sleeve which prevents fraying of the insulation on the cable or conductor.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive punched terminal connector which can be lformed from sheet stock.

A further object of my invention is to provide such a terminal connector which may be utilized with either solid or stranded conductors.

A further object of my invention is to provide such a terminal connector which may be used as a temporary connection without the locking feature, or which can be utilized with the locking feature.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel connector which can be latched onto a conductor or cable without the use of a locking sleeve.

These and other objects will appear hereinafter.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth in the specification below and in the appended claims, but the invention itself will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is a top plan view of one -form of terminal connector made in accordance with my invention, Figure 2 is a side elevation of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bottom view of Figure 2, Figure 4 is a leftend view and Figure 5 a right-end view of Figure 2, Figure 6 shows the terminal connector of Figures 1 to 5 with a conductor received therein prior to receiving the locking sleeve insulator in position, Figure 7 is a view partially in section showing a conductor and a terminal connector in assembled relationship, Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the insulator sleeve made according to my invention, Figures 9 and 10 are left-end and rightend views of Figure 8, Figure 11 is a side elevation of a modification of a terminal connector made in accordance with my invention, Figure 12 is an end view of Figure 11, Figure 13 is a top plan view of a still further modification of my invention, Figure 14 is a side elevation, Figure l5 is a transverse section taken along line 15-15 of Figure 14, Figure 16 is a right end view of Figure 14, Figure 17 shows the terminal connector of Figure 14 with a conductor received therein prior to positioning the locking sleeve insulator in assembled position, Figure 18 is a view partially in section showing the assembled relationship of a conductor received within the connector and the sleeve in locking position, Figure 19 is a longitudinal section of the insulating sleeve shown in Figure 18, Figure 20 is a left-end view of the in- 2,702,895 Patented Feb. 22, 1955 sulator shown in Figure 19, Figure 2l is an end view of a modified form of the clamping elements of a connector made according to my invention.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 5, a terminal connector made according to my invention includes the device shown generally at 30, punched from at stock and then formed to shape as shown. The terminal connector 30 is formed with a flat head or terminal portion 31 having aperture 31' for receiving a screw or other form of connection. It is provided with a vertically extended portion 32 which is extended into a horizontal portion 33 parallel to portion 31 and folded back upon itself to form the upper oppositely disposed portion 34. As best shown in Figure 3, looking at the connector from the underside, an elongated aperture is formed by slotting this portion at 36 and 37 to form the resilient arm 35 which may have a rounded or concave shape and is provided with a plurality of tooth elements 35. The other end of the recess is provided with the upturned teeth 35". The upper portion 34 is likewise slotted to provide the oppositely disposed resilient arm 39 having the teeth 39. It will `be noted that the teeth 39 extend over and beyond the teeth 35. As thus formed the connector is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed arms 35 and 39, the free ends of which are provided with the teeth elements for purposes to be described.

Adjacent the end of the terminal connector, the upper and lower portions 33 and 34 are each provided with outwardly displaced areas forming rounded portions 40 and 41 oppositely disposed so as to provide a tubular passageway for purposes to be described, In order to stillen the connector I may provide the connector with the ribbed portions or channels 33 and 33".

In accordance with my invention l also provide a pair of auxiliary arms 42 and 43 having the arcuate portions 44 and 45 at the free ends thereof. It will thus be seen that the upper portion includes therefore the centrally positioned arm 39 and two parallel auxiliary arms 42 and 43 extending away from the end of the connector toward the intermediate portion thereof. These arms serve as a latching lock in a manner to be described below.

As shown in Figure 6, an insulating sleeve 47 is rst inserted over the insulating cover 46 of the conductor 45. The conductor 45 is inserted into the terminal connector through the end portions provided with the rounded portions 40 and 41, which serve as tubular passageway to receive and guide the conductor to a position between the three toothed portions 35', 35 and 39' of the terminal connector. The conductor, while shown as a multistrand type, could be a solid conductor. The connector is then inserted within the chamber 48 of the insulating sleeve and when pushed to its latched or locking position the parts assume the relationship shown in Figure 7. It will be seen that the end of the conductor is in effect gripped between three sets of teeth, the teeth on the upper resilient arm 39 being depressed into the space between teeth 35 and 35 of arm 35, the edged portions of the connector being received in the slots 50 and 51 of the connecting sleeve which is provided with chamber 48 into which the connector is received. The slots are provided with a tapering entrance and depressions 50 and 51 into which the curved portions 44 and 45 of the auxiliary arms are received. In this position the arms 42 and 43 serve as latch springs to retain the elements in assembled position. The device may be readily disassembled, however, by forcing the insulating sleeve 47, which is preferably of a stiff suitable material, back along the conductor. In the position shown in Figure 7 the conductor is rmly gripped between the three sets of teeth and cannot be readily removed from the sleeve. The sleeve has the added function of protecting the insulating coating 46 against fraying action. Portions 40 and 41 could be provided with punched out barbs to frictionally lock the sleeve 47 by engaging the inner surface thereof.

ln Figure ll I show a modilication of my terminal connector. Here the connector is provided with the fastening portion or head 6), the vertically extending portion 67 and the registering lower and upper portions 68 and 68 which are formed by folding. The connector is formed in substantially the same way as shown in the rst modification of my invention. The resilient clamping arms 61 and 62 are again provided with toothed edges 64 and 65 which cooperate in assembly with the toothed elements 63. The stitfening ribs 67 and 67 are again utilized. However no tubular passageway is provided and no spring latch arrangement is provided. The resilient arms 69 and 70 are provided with the barbed ends 69 and 70' which may cooperate with the slots proper in the insulating sleeve or with recessed portions for receiving the barbed ends, which would, however, permanently lock the terminal in the sleeve.

A further modification which can be used with a multistrand conductor without removing the insulating coating and without a locking sleeve if desired is shown in Figures 13 to 2O inclusive. The head portion 71 is again provided with aperture 71 for receiving a bolt or the like. It is extended into a vertical portion 72 and horizontally extended portion 73 folded over at 74. In this form the lower and upper resilient arms 75 and 74 are provided with slots 80 and 80 to provide flexibility to the latching elements and to provide a pair of toothed portions 81 and 82 having the teeth of varying length 81 and 82', the arms 76 and 77 being provided with teeth 76 and 77. Stifening ribs again may be provided, as well as the oppositely disposed rounded portions 83 and 84 forming a tubular passageway.

It will be noted that the arms 8l and 82 are provided with latching ear lugs 87 and 88' and the arms 76 and 77 with the latching ears or ear lugs 89 and 90. As shown in the section taken along line -15, the latching ears 89 and 90 contact the upper surface of the portion 73 to prevent the arms 76 and 77 from being depressed below the position shown. When a conductor is received within the terminal as shown in Figure 17, the upper arm 74 is pressed firmly down against the insulating coating of the conductor so that the teeth pierce the insulation and so that the lugs 87 and 88 are depressed below the undersurface of the portion 73 to be engaged thereunder to? lock the arms 75 and 74 against the conductor. To release the arms they may be pressed together so that the latches or locking lugs are released from the surface of the portion 73 of the connector to permit arm 74 to he raised.

The upper portion or arm 74 is provided with a pair of latching arms 85 and 87. The free ends of these arms are provided with outwardly turned tooth portions or barbs 86 and 88. These barbs may engage the walls of the slots 96 and 96 of sleeve 93 for locking the sleeve on the connector and conductor engaged thereby.

Figure 18 shows the assembly when a sleeve 93 is used in locking position. The flexible or stiff sleeve 93 is provided with a chamber 94 which extends substantially the length of the sleeve and terminates in the rounded aperture 95 at the other end thereof. The slots 96 and 96' are provided with tapered openings, such as 97, and also with the shoulder 98 to serve as a stop for the terminal connector if desired.

In Figure 21 I show a modification of the tooth formation which can be utilized with the arrangements shown in any of the other figures if so desired. That is, instead of the elements 81 and 82, 76 and 77 with their teeth, the portions 74 and 75 could be replaced by jaws or arms 74 and 75' terminating in the teeth 74 and 75".

It is of course understood that the treminal `connector or fastener can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. It is also understood it can be used for a solid conductor or a conductor of wires of small or large sizes. It is preferred that the terminal be made of metal which is thin or tough relative to the cables which are to be fastened, such for example as phosphorous spring. which is a good conductor as well as a very tough metal. The lugs for securing the terminal can, of course, be of various shapes and can be formed at either end if desired. The terminals may also be manufactured as a single unit or of gang form and used with or without a locking sleeve.

While I have indicated the preferred embodiments of my invention of which I am now aware, it will be anparent that my invention is by no means limited to the exact forms illustrated, but that many variations may be made in the particular structure used wtihout departing from the scope of my invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim as new is:

1. A terminal connector for electrical conductors including an elongated member having at one end a tubular portion providing a passageway and a receptacle for a conductor, said connector having a pair of spaced oppositely disposed flexible arms with their ends registering with said passageway for engaging the end of a conductor received within and extending from said tubular portion, and a pair of resilient arms positioned on opposite sides of one of said flexible arms and having formed ends, and means including a sleeve for receiving and engaging said flexible arms and said resilient arms for forcing the ends of said flexible arms into engagement with a conductor received therebetween and engaging the ends of said resilient arms.

2. A terminal connector for electrical conductors including an elongated member having a pair of spaced oppositely disposed flexible arms with their ends opposed for engaging the end of a conductor received between the ends thereof, and a pair of resilient arms positioned on opposite sides of said flexible arms, and means including a sleeve for receiving and engaging said flexible arms and said resilient arms for forcing the ends of said flexible arms into engagement with a conductor received therebetween and for engaging the ends of said resilient arms.

3. A terminal connector for electrical conductors including an elongated sheet metal member having at one end thereof a folded over portion, said folded over portion and the portion of said member oppositely disposed thereto having oppositely disposed flexible arms fixed at one end to said oppositely disposed portion and said folded over portion, the oppositely disposed free ends of said arms forming a conductor clamp, one of said portions having a pair of auxiliary arms, and a sleeve receiving the folded over portion therewithin, said sleeve having a chamber, the walls of which engage said oppositely disposed arms and force said arms toward each other and having other wall portions engaging the ends of said auxiliary arms.

4. A terminal connector formed of elongated flat stock and having a folded-over portion at one end thereof, the free end of said folded-over portion terminating in a flexible arm having teeth at the end thereof, the portion of said terminal connector opposite said folded-over portion having a punched-out resilient arm oppositely disposed to said first arm and having teeth on the free end thereof, auxiliary arms on opposite sides of one of said first arms and extending toward the free end of said one arm, a sleeve receiving the folded-over portion therewithin, said sleeve having a chamber with parallel slots extending longitudinally thereof, said slots receiving therewithin said auxiliary arms and having depressions for receiving the ends thereof, whereby a conductor received between said oppositely disposed arms will be clamped therebetween when said arms are engaged by the walls of said chamber for forcing the free ends thereof into tight engagement with said conductor, said slots receiving the ends of said auxiliary arms within said depressions.

5. A terminal connector formed of elongated flat stock and having a folded over portion at one end thereof, the free end of said folded-over portion terminating in a flexible arm having teeth at the end thereof, the portion of said terminal opposite to said folded-over portion having a punched-out resilient arm oppositely disposed to said first arm and having teeth on the end thereof, the folded-over portion and the portion registering therewith having outwardly formed areas providing a passageway for a conductor, auxiliary arms on said folded-over portion on opposite sides of said first arm and extending toward the free end of said first arm, and a sleeve receiving the folded-over portion of said connector therewithin, said sleeve being provided with a chamber having parallel slots extending longitudinally thereof, said slots receiving therewithin said auxiliary arms and having depressions for receiving the ends of said auxiliary arms, whereby a conductor extended through said passageway and received between said oppositely disposed arms will be clamped therebetween when connector is received within said chamber for forcing the free ends of said connector into tight engagement with said conductor, said slots receiving the ends of said auxiliary arms within said depressions for locking said terminal connector within said sleeve.

6. A terminal connector for electrical conductors including oppositely disposed portions adjacent and parallel with each other, one end being provided with oppositely disposed formed portions providing a passageway therebetween for receiving a conductor therethrough, said terminal connector being provided with flexible oppositely disposed arms, the free ends of which register with said passageway for engaging the end of a conductor received within and extending from said passageway, auxiliary reslllent arms extending parallel to one of said oppositely disposed arms, and a sleeve having a chamber therein receiving all of said arms and forcing said oppositely disposed arms toward each other for engaging a conductor received within and extending from said passageway and between said arms, said chamber having slots receiving said auxiliary arms, said slots being provided with depressions receiving the ends of said auxiliary arms for latch locking said terminal connector in said sleeve.

7. A terminal connector of sheet metal having registering portions adjacent each other, said portions having at one end oppositely disposed outwardly displaced areas providing a passageway therebetween, and other areas of said portions adjacent said passageway providing oppositely disposed ilexible arms, the free ends of which are turned toward each other and register with said passageway for engaging a conductor extending through and from said passageway and between said arms, and a locking member provided with a chamber therein having slots therein receiving said sheet metal terminal connector, the edges of said terminal connector being received within said slots and said arms being engaged by the walls of said chamber forcing said arms into tight contact with a conductor received therebetween for locking said conductor in said terminal, one of said registering portions of said connector having a pair of parallel auxiliary resilient arms having curved portions at the free ends thereof, said slots being provided with depressions receiving the curved ends of said auxiliary arms for latch locking said terminal in said sleeve.

8. A terminal connector of sheet metal of elongated shape having at one end a folded-over portion, the portionof said connector registering with said folded-over portion having a resilient arm formed therein and having an elongated aperture, the free end of said folded-ove1 portion being formed to provide an oppositely disposed resilient arm, the free end of each of said arms being slotted and providing two pairs of oppositely disposed arm members, the outer edges of said arms being provided with latching lugs for engaging the opposite surfaces of one portion of said terminal connector to lock said arms when the free ends thereof are extended through said aperture, one of said portions being provided with a pair of auxiliary arms at the opposite sides of one of said resilient arms, and an insulating sleeve having a chamber receiving said arms to lock said arms against a conductor received therebetween, said chamber having portions contacting the ends of said auxiliary arms for latch locking said terminal connector in said sleeve.

9. A terminal connector of sheet metal of elongated shape having at one end a folded-over portion, the portion of said connector registering with said folded-over portion having a resilient arm formed therein and having an elongated aperture, the free end of said folded-over portion being formed to provide an oppositely disposed resilient arm, the free ends of said arms being slotted to provide two pairs of oppositely disposed arm members, the ends of said arm members being provided with tooth portions, the outer edges of said arms being provided with latching lugs for engaging the opposite surfaces of said terminal adjacent said aperture to lock said arms when the free ends thereof are extended through the aperture, one of said portions being provided with a pair of auxiliary arms at the opposite sides of one of said resilient arms.

10. A terminal connector of sheet metal of elongated shape having at one end a folded-over portion, the portion of said connector below said folded-over portion being` apertured and having a resilient arm within said aperture, the free end of said folded-over portion being formed to provide an oppositely disposed resilient arm, the free ends of said arms being provided with tooth portions and displaced laterally, the end of the aperture adjacent the free ends of the resilient arms having teeth turned toward the folded over portion, said folded-over portion being provided with a pair of auxiliary arms at the opposite sides of one of said first-named arms, and an insulating sleeve having a chamber for receiving said arms forcing said arms toward each other to lock said arms against a conductor received therebetween, the end of the arm in said folded-over portion extending into the space between the end of the oppositely disposed resilient arm and the teeth at the end of said aperture.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,515,860 Howard Nov. 18, 1924 1,635,256 Carter July 12, 1927 1,705,579 Lutz Mar. 19, 1929 1,724,729 Ruttenberg et a1 Aug. 13, 1929 2,309,311 Grohsgal Ian. 26, 1943 2,318,650 Penfold May 1l, 1943 2,336,517 Wade Dec. 14, 1943 2,462,867 Hubbell Mar. 1, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS 252,595 Switzerland Oct. 1, 1948 614,897 Great Britain Oec. 23. 1948 

